The Banner Ceremony at the Shri Mandir Today

The Banner Ceremony at Shri Mandir is observed on Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha Chaturdashi, when the Daitapati servitors prepare the Senapata for Lord Jagannath.

Banner Ceremony: About the Senapata

“O King Indradyumna! You are embarking on a human-like journey. To protect your body, the Senapata is being prepared. With devotion, after a night watch, Lord’s sleep will be broken according to the prescribed rituals.”

Explanation:

Lord Jagannath, in his divine incarnation as Indradyumna, is undergoing a process of renewal. To protect his physical form (Shree Anga) during this period, a Senapata, resembling a warrior’s attire, is prepared. Devotees and followers of the Vishwa Sabha (a lineage of devotees) drape pieces of wood and red cloth firmly on Lord Jagannath’s chest and arms. Then, the entire body is covered with white and red cloth, making the Shree Anga strong and beautiful. Similarly, the Shree Anga of Balabhadra and Subhadra are also bound.

Within the Banner Ceremony, the Senapata is essentially a protective costume resembling a commander’s or warrior’s attire.

The Pahanadi (priest) will enter the Manima Snan Mandapa tomorrow. During this time, the Senapata acts as a shield to protect Lord Manima’s Shree Anga.

To prevent any harm to the Shree Anga, a Senapata is prepared as a separate garment called Patapatni beforehand.

A unique armor-like covering is made with Boula wood to cover the Shree Anga.

For the Banner Ceremony, the Pati Mahapatra and Daitapati servitors meticulously prepare this special Senapata.

During the Snan Yatra (bathing procession) and Shri Gundi Cha Yatra (another procession), the Deiyatapati servants carry Lord Jagannath, and the Senapata and Bahut Kanat Neeti (another protective covering) are used to protect his Shree Anga.

The Boula wood, collected from Sakshigopal’s Bakula forest, is split into thin pieces. The Vishwakarma (divine architect) of the Shri Mandir prepares the Bahut and Senapata from this wood.

On this day, the daily rituals are performed, starting from the morning Dhupa (incense) to the large Singhara Dhupa. Puja is performed with incense smoke. The remaining ritual is the Pahud Aarti (prayer with lamps).

After the Pahud Aarti, Madan Mohan and Shri Devi are taken to the Dakshini Ghar (south-facing house), and Bhudevi and Madhav are taken to the Khatashejya Ghar (bedchamber).

The Banner Ceremony prepares the protective Senapata used around the period of Snana Yatra, with Boula wood, cloth and careful service intended to protect the Shree Anga during ceremonial movement.

Explore more Jagannath traditions and Srimandir ritual knowledge at JustKalinga.